Drop-side crib attachment



S@Pt-'13 1938- N. J. cRADDocK 2,130,268

DROP-SIDE CRIB ATTACHMENT Filed May 4, 1937' Patented Sept. 13, 1938 UNiTED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in clamping devices and more particularly to devices for clamping bed clothes and the like to cribs and childrens beds.

One of the principal objects of my invention is to provide means for readily clamping the bed clothes in a desirable position in relation to the mattress, whereby, an infant or person is prevented from disturbing them to the extent of uncovering itself.

Another object of my invention provides means for clamping bed clothes in a desired position in connection with the use of drop-side cribs or beds.

A further object of my invention provides means for quickly clamping the bed clothes and for readily removing or adjusting the same.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device Which is simple and durable in operation and economical as to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following descriptions, appended claims and annexed drawing.

Referring to the drawing, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my invention applied to a childs crib.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line 2-2vof Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a View similar to Fig. 2 showing the clamping element and cover in released position.

The construction, shown in the several views of the drawing, illustrates a preferred embodiment of my invention and comprises a clamping device 5 supported between the horizontal rail members 6 and l of a typical childs crib structure 8.

The clamping device embraces a longitudinal horizontal extending yoke 9, formed with a downwardly facing groove or channel I0 for receiving therein a blanket or other suitable bed covering II. A cover gripping block or clamping element I2, the ends I3 of which extend beyond the yoke 9 to form nger operating sections, is adapted to be seated within the channel I0 and secure therein the cover Il, the ends I3 being provided with eyes I4. Springs I5, which constitute tensioning means, are secured to the rail member 6 by hooks I6 and connect to the eyes I4, thus serving to exert sufficient pressure, through the medium of the block I2, to clamp the cover II Within the yoke 9. While the yoke and block are shown as made of metal, wood or any other suitable material may be employed.

Supports I7 attached to the yoke 9 are secured to the rail member l and position the yoke between the rails 6 and l.

In operation, a cover II is placed over a mattress 20 and extends over the yoke 9, the block IIJ being in the position shown in Fig. 3. The block is then moved downwardly, by the operators ngers engaging the sections I3, against the tension of the springs I5 a suiicient distance to permit it being swung under the channel I0. It is then released and assumes the position shown in Fig. 2. The movement of the block having pressed the cover towards the yoke and into the channel, the cover is therefore securely clamped within the channel and between the yoke and block. To release the cover, it is only necessary to reverse the foregoing described operation. While I have shown and described my invention as applied to one side of a crib, it is to be understood that the opposite side is provided with a like structure. Should it become necessary to disassemble the crib, the block may be removed from the structure by releasing the springs from the hooks IB and removing the yoke and supports from the lower rail member 1.

When my invention is used in connection with drop-side cribs, it is only necessary to release the block from the yoke, drop the side of the crib, which carries the entire structure, and reclamp the cover, the same structure being utilized without any changes.

It can also be readily understood that bed covers may be adjusted in any desirable position by merely moving the block downwardly a slight distance, manipulating the cover to the desired position and releasing the block to clamp the same in fixed position. Further, that my invention lends itself to many adaptations in reference to various types of beds or cribs, that it can be used in connection with holding the covers at the foot of bed, instead of at the sides or both, and that many modifications of construction and associated parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim 1. In combination, a crib equipped with upper and lower rail members, a longitudinally extending yoke secured to said lower member, a clamping element positioned under said yoke and coacting therewith and tensioning means for solely connecting said element to said upper member and normally urging said element toward said yoke said means expandable to permit said element to be positioned laterally of said yoke whereby to receive bed clothing therebetween for movement by said element into clamped condition into said yoke.

2. In combination, a crib equipped with upper and lower rail members, a horizontally extending yoke provided with a downwardly facing channel secured to said lower member, a clamping element adapted to be received in said channel and tensioning means for solely connecting said ele,- ment tosaid upper member for supporting said element and normally urging said element into said channel said means expandable to permit said element to be positioned laterally of said yoke whereby to receive bed clothing therebetween for movement by said element into clamped condition into said yoke.

3. In combination, a crib equipped with upper and lower cross members; and a clamping device comprsing an elongated yoke connected to Said lower cross member and formed with a downwardly facing channel, a clamping element having sections extending beyond said yoke at the ends thereof and adapted to be secured within said channel, and tensioning means for solely connecting said sections to an upper cross member for supporting said element in engaging position within said channel said meansl expandable to permit said element to be positioned laterally ofV said yoke whereby to receive bed clothing therebetween for movement by said element into clampedfcondition into said yoke.

NICHOLAS J. CRADDOCK. 

